This blog highlights the events and programs that celebrate the Schuylkill River and the communities along it.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Ten Reasons to Sign Up for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn

Registration for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is now open! If you've always wanted to do at least one day on the sojourn, let this be the year you do! This 112-mile, seven day guided canoe/kayak tour takes place from Saturday June 7 to Friday June 13. You don't have to do the full trip. You can do as little as one day, if you'd like. But keep in mind that the first three days fill up quickly, so if you want to paddle on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, register early!Click here to register.

Still not sure whether to sign up? Here are 10 reasons why we think you should.

1. The Schuylkill is Pennsylvania's 2014 River of the Year: If you paddle on the sojourn this year, you will be paddling on the River of the Year. How cool is that? The River of the Year logo is our program theme, so all our lunch and dinner presentations will focus on the some aspect of the river. And, the awesome logo on the left? That will be featured on the sojourn T-shirt. It was designed by Laura Mikowychok Smith, winner of our River of the Year logo design contest.

2. We make it easy for you: No really, we do. We give you breakfast, lunch, dinner and a place to camp. We shuttle your gear and take you and your boat back to the car. We provide water and Gatoradeat all stops, and on long paddling stretches, we have breaks. Our guides and safety people have been doing this for 16 years. If you're a novice, they'll give you pointers to make sure you have a great time.

3. You can leave your worries behind: Seriously, this is a fun experience. You are out in nature, on the water, surrounded by friendly people in colorful kayaks. You don't have to think about the route, worry about where you'll stop, or even wonder what to do about dinner. You can just relax and enjoy the day.

4. You will learn something: We provide speakers at all lunch and evening stops. This year, the presentations will focus on a river-related issue or activity. For example, we have a dragon boat club on Wednesday evening (they'll also join us in the water on Thursday and Friday); a new Schuylkill River Water Trail Guide presentation on Saturday; and a talk about the new Schuylkill River Boardwalk on Friday. For a
full list of programs click here.

5. Every day is fun: People often ask us which is the best day to paddle on the sojourn. Truth? All the days are great! Saturday and Sunday are favored for their scenery (and also because they are weekend days!) Monday features a short section of white water called "Kelly's Rapids." Tuesday is a nice, easy stretch ending at our headquarters, where we promise a great dinner! Wednesday ends with sojourners "locking through" the only watered lock remaining of the Schuylkill Canal. Thursday features a lunch stop at Valley Forge National Park (new this year). On Friday, the journey ends at Boat House Row, and we always get a photo of the sojourn against the Philly skyline.

6. You don't have to be anexpert paddler: Every year we have beginners sign up for the full trip. Our guides are particularly good at helping out newcomers.

7. You won't recognize the place: Think you know the Schuylkill River because you pass by it regularly? You will be surprised. Being on the river is a whole different experience. Only minutes away from highways and down towns, you'll feel sequestered in nature. It's not called the "Hidden River" for nothing.

8. You will make new friends: You are paddling beside 70 to 100 other fun-loving people. Of course you'll make new friends!

9. Your age doesn't matter: Octogenarians and elementary school children have paddled the full trip and loved it.

10. It only happens once a year: If you've always wanted to paddle on the sojourn, but don't do it this year, you'll have to wait all the way until June 2015 to get another chance!

We hope we've convinced you! If so, hurry: we only allow about 100 people on the water each day, so registration can fill up quickly for certain days. You can learn more about the sojourn on our website.
Or, if you're ready to join us for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, Register Here!